Courts Uphold Waiver For Black

A state supreme court has ruled against elected officials and education advocates who argue that Cathleen Black is not qualified to be the New York City Schools Chancellor, and should not get a special waiver.

Black, the former chairman of Hearst Magazines, needed a waiver to become Chancellor because she doesn’t have a background in education. The state allows waivers when the candidate has exceptional background.

“This decision should bring an end to the politicking and grandstanding and allow us all to focus on what matters most: continuing to improve the quality of education we offer New York City’s public school children,” Mayor Bloomberg said.

“Cathie has been working hard and is ready to hit the ground running on Monday, her first official day on the job, and I know she is looking forward to building on the tremendous progress we’ve made over the past eight years.”